Research Progress of Utilization of Red Mud in Building Materials and Geopolymer Composites

Red mud is a kind of industrial solid waste with low comprehensive utilization rate, and its large-scale, complete and safe utilization is very important for the green development of the electrolytic aluminum industry. The preparation of building materials products is the major way to realize the large-scale utilization of industrial solid wastes. Cementitious materials with excellent properties such as cement or geopolymer can be prepared by taking full advantage of the high alkalinity of red mud. The total content of the solid wastes in building blocks and road base materials prepared by red mud could exceed 90% due to the synergistic effect between various raw materials. At the same time, the production of ceramic or ceramisite is a green, low carbon, high value and efficient way to consume red mud. Using red mud as filler of composite polymer materials can also realize the high value-added utilization of red mud. In recent years, researchers have carried out systematic research on the recycling and utilization of red mud to prepare cementitious materials, building blocks, road base materials, ceramisites and composite polymer materials, and some of the results have been popularized in industrialization. This paper mainly introduces the latest progress of the utilization of red mud in preparation of building materials and composite polymer materials, and puts forward suggestions on the improvement of the comprehensive utilization rate of red mud from the aspects of basic theoretical research, application technology development and the national policy guidance. © 2023 Cailiao Daobaoshe/ Materials Review. All rights reserved.